U.S. patent application number 12/981576 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for systems and methods for therapy.
Invention is credited to Pooja Johari.
Application Number | 20110172735 12/981576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44259108 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110172735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johari; Pooja |
July 14, 2011 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERAPY
Abstract
An electrotherapy stimulation device is provided. In an
embodiment the electrotherapy stimulation device may include a
cranial electrical stimulation module with a pulse generator
system, a processor, and a memory. The processor can be configured
to control the pulse generation system and the memory can be
configured to store instructions that cause the processor to cause
the pulse generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms. The
electrotherapy stimulation device may also include a body
stimulation module that is coupled to the cranial stimulation
system and configured to operate in conjunction with it. One
example body stimulation module is an electrical muscle stimulation
module. Additionally, the electrotherapy stimulation device may be
used to stimulate a patient's mind and body by following a protocol
that can including predetermined e-yoga, power vector, classical
sequence, dynamic rotation, micro-massage, and body care.
Inventors: |
Johari; Pooja; (San Diego,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44259108 |
Appl. No.: |
12/981576 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61291543 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/36003 20130101;
A61N 1/36025 20130101; A61N 1/00 20130101; A61N 1/36034
20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/48 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/00 20060101
A61N001/00 |
Claims
1. An electrotherapy stimulation device comprising: a cranial
electrical stimulation module including: a pulse generator system,
a processor configured to control the pulse generation system, and
a memory configured to store instructions that cause the processor
to cause the pulse generator to generate cranial stimulation
waveforms; a body stimulation module, coupled to the cranial
stimulation system and configured to operate in conjunction with
the cranial stimulation system.
2. The electrotherapy stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the
body stimulation module comprises an electrical muscle stimulation
module.
3. A method of mind and body stimulation comprising: connecting an
electrotherapy stimulation device to a patient, the electrotherapy
device comprising: a cranial electrical stimulation module
including: a pulse generator system, a processor configured to
control the pulse generation system, and a memory configured to
store instructions that cause the processor to cause the pulse
generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms; and a body
stimulation module, coupled to the cranial stimulation system and
configured to operate in conjunction with the cranial stimulation
system, the body stimulation module comprising an electrical muscle
stimulation module; stimulating the patient's mind using the mind
stimulation module; and stimulating the patient's body using the
electrical muscle stimulation module, wherein the mind and body
stimulation follow a protocol including predetermined e-yoga, power
vector, classical sequence, dynamic rotation, micro-massage, and
body care.
4. A method of mind and body stimulation comprising: connecting an
electrotherapy stimulation device to a patient, the electrotherapy
device comprising: a cranial electrical stimulation module
including: a pulse generator system, a processor configured to
control the pulse generation system, and a memory configured to
store instructions that cause the processor to cause the pulse
generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms; stimulating
the patient's mind using the mind stimulation module; and
stimulating the patient's body using non-electrical muscle
stimulation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Filed in pursuant on the provisional Appl. No.
61/291,543
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to systems and methods for
medical therapy devices and more particularly, some embodiments
relate to systems and methods for electrotherapy stimulation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various forms of bio-electrical or other types of therapy
are known throughout the medical community. These can include
cranial electrotherapy, vacuum therapy, and ultrasound therapy, as
well as other types. The therapies may be used to relieve a number
of patient health issues. For example, cranial electrotherapy has
been used to potentially provide relief from insomnia, depression,
anxiety, drug addiction, and cognitive dysfunction.
[0004] The therapy regimes have been used to treat various
symptoms, conditions, and aliments. New treatment regimes and
combinations of treatment regimes and protocols may be used to
potentially provide different patient benefits or increased patient
benefits such as muscle strengthening, decreased fat volume,
improved circulation, stress relief, relaxation, ATP predication,
or increased energy.
SUMMARY
[0005] An electrotherapy stimulation device is provided. In an
embodiment the electrotherapy stimulation device may include a
cranial electrical stimulation module with a pulse generator
system, a processor, and a memory. The processor can be configured
to control the pulse generation system and the memory can be
configured to store instructions that cause the processor to cause
the pulse generator to generate cranial stimulation waveforms.
[0006] In some embodiments, the electrotherapy stimulation device
may also include a body stimulation module that is coupled to the
cranial stimulation system and configured to operate in conjunction
with it. One example body stimulation module is an electrical
muscle stimulation module. The electrical muscle stimulation module
can provide a variety of waveforms to stimulate the abdominal
muscles, buttocks, or other muscle areas within a patient's
body.
[0007] Other example body stimulation modules can include
microcurrent therapy, laser treatment, micro-massage, massage,
acupuncture, or other bodywork. Additionally, multiple types of
body work might be combined in a single dual therapy system, for
example, electrical muscle stimulation and massage could be
combined together in some example systems. Such a system might
provide electrical stimulation to the body followed by a massage.
Additionally, the body work might be provided by a module such as
the electrical muscle stimulation module, a massage module,
microcurrent module, etc. In some cases, however, a method may
include bodywork performed by a person in conjunction with cranial
electrical stimulation. It will be understood that, in some
examples, an electrical muscle stimulation module may also be able
to provide microcurrent therapy.
[0008] In some embodiments the electrotherapy stimulation device
may be used to stimulate a patient's mind and body by following a
protocol that can include predetermined e-yoga, power vector,
classical sequence, dynamic rotation, micromassage, and body care.
Such a sequence may include multiple sessions with different
treatments or combinations of treatments performed as the
treatments progress.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A more particular description of the present disclosure will
be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. Example
embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example dual
therapy system in accordance with an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example body
stimulation module in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an example power vector
waveform in accordance with various embodiments of the systems and
methods described herein;
[0013] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating stimulation patterns
in accordance with various embodiments of the systems and methods
described herein;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a series of stimulations in
a treatment waveform in accordance with the systems and methods
described herein; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating placement of electrodes and
patterns of signal movements between electrodes in accordance with
the systems and methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Reference will now be made to figures wherein like
structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is
understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic
representations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
and are neither limiting nor necessarily drawn to scale. The words
"including," "has," and "having," as used herein, including the
claims, shall have the same meaning as the word "comprising."
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example dual
therapy system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the systems
and methods described herein. Dual therapy system 100 includes a
mind stimulation portion and a body stimulation portion. The mind
stimulation portion can be a cranial electrical stimulation (CES)
module 102.
[0018] CES module 102 may provide treatment be transmitting small
electrical current pulses across a patient's head. In some
embodiments, the current used in conjunction with CES may be
between 0 and 3 mA. Generally CES might sometimes be used for
anxiety, depression, insomnia, drug addiction, or other patient
issues. CES is also sometimes referred to as "electro-sleep
therapy," "neuro-electric therapy," or "transcranial
electrotherapy." The CES module 102 can be used to perform
"e-Yoga." E-Yoga involves passing microcurrents of electricity
across the brain.
[0019] The CES module can be used in conjunction with body
stimulation provided by a body stimulation module 104. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 body stimulation is provided to
the patient by the body stimulation module 104 as part of a larger
dual therapy system 100. It will be understood that, in some
embodiments, however, body stimulation may be provided by a
separate stand-alone system. In other words, some embodiments of
the systems and methods described herein relate to stand-alone body
stimulation modules, waveforms for body stimulation modules, or
both, while other embodiments of the systems and methods described
herein relate to dual therapy systems. Generally, features and
waveforms of body stimulation module 104 can be applied to
stand-alone body stimulation modules. Additionally, in some
embodiments, non-device based body stimulation can be used. For
example, a massage might be performed by a massage module or a
person can perform a massage.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example body
stimulation module in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1. Body stimulation can include, but is not limited to,
electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), microcurrent therapy, laser
treatment, micro-massage, massage, acupuncture, or other bodywork.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, various embodiments of the systems and
methods described herein may provide the body stimulation using a
module within the dual therapy system 100. For example, an EMS
module may be combined with a CES module to provide multiple types
of therapy to a patient. Similarly, other modules such as
Microcurrent modules, laser treatment modules, micro-massager
modules, massage modules, automated acupuncture modules, or other
automated bodywork modules may be combined with CES. Additionally,
multiple body stimulation modules 104 might be combined with one or
more CES modules 102. For example, an EMS module and a laser
treatment module might both be combined with a CES module 102.
[0021] As discussed above, while some embodiments of the systems
and methods described herein may combine CES with device-based
treatments, other embodiments may use a CES device in combination
with treatments that can sometimes be non-device based treatments,
such as massage, acupuncture, or other body work.
[0022] Such a device may provide various EMS waveforms such as the
waveforms discussed herein. In some embodiments of the systems and
methods described herein these waveforms, generated by the EMS
module may to provide lymphatic drainage or body contouring for a
patient. Treatments for other aliments, symptoms, or patient issues
may also be possible using a dual therapy system 100, stand alone
body stimulation, or the waveforms described herein.
[0023] The waveforms can include a power vector waveform, a
sequential stimulator waveform, dynamic rotation, and micromassage.
An example power vector waveform that can be used in conjunction
with an EMS module, either within a system 100 or in a standalone
system are illustrated in FIG. 3. In one embodiment a power vector
wave form may be generated using two medium-frequency, sinusoidal
signals 300 and 302 that can intersect deep within the tissues of a
patient to generate a third signal 304. The third signal is a
combination of the two signals.
[0024] For example, in one embodiment the first signal 300 may be
generated at 5000 Hz. The second signal 302 can sweep between 5000
Hz to 5299 Hz. In the time domain graph of FIG. 3 the first signal
300 is at 5000 Hz and the second signal 302 is at 5299 Hz, the high
end of the frequency sweep. The frequency domain graphs illustrate
the first signal 300 at 5000 Hz, the second signal 302 sweeping
between 5000 Hz and 5299 Hz as indicated at reference character
302. Note that the figures are not to scale.
[0025] Signals 300 and 302 can combine to generate a third signal
304, which varies between dc (0 Hz) and 288 Hz. (A high frequency
signal 306 at approximately 10 kHz, which also varies up to 10,288
Hz may also be generated as a result of the combination. The higher
frequency signal might not provide the desired therapy for the
patient, however, because the higher frequency signal may not
propagate well through the patient's body.)
[0026] In one embodiment, sweeping can entail increasing frequency
from 5000 Hz to 5299 Hz and the starting the sweep over at 5000 Hz.
In another embodiment, the system may sweep up from 5000 Hz to 5299
Hz and then sweep down from 5299 Hz to 5000 Hz. Yet another
embodiment may include both types of sweeps or other possible
sweeping patterns.
[0027] It will be understood that other signal frequencies might
also be used in dual therapy systems or EMS systems. For example a
signal from approximately 2500 Hz to 6000 Hz might be used for the
first and second signals, with the second signal varying by 0 to
288 Hz or more. At the lower frequency end (approximately 2500 Hz)
the signals may increase muscle bulking, which is not desired in
some embodiments. At the higher frequency end (approximately 6000
Hz) the signals may not propagate through the body as desired. It
will be understood, however, that the systems and methods described
herein might be combined with higher or lower frequencies than
these described based on other desired results, e.g., muscle
bulking; different body types which might propagate signals
differently, etc.
[0028] Other frequency variations may also be used, including a
second signal that varies by an amount greater than 288 Hz, a
second signal that combines with the first to generate a third
signal that does not include a dc (0 Hz component), or other
variations. Additionally, in some embodiments, both the first and
second signals may be varied to generate a third signal.
[0029] The illustrated embodiment of the power vector can include
an IFC with an inbuilt 100% scan at 5000 Hz. The sweep frequency
can be from 0 to 299 Hz, 1 to 299 Hz, or other sweep frequencies.
Additionally, the sweep time can be 10 second up from 0 to 299 Hz
and 10 seconds down 299 Hz to 0 Hz. The output may be provided to
the patient using one or more pairs of electrodes. In one
embodiment twelve electrodes (six pairs) might be used. These
electrodes can be used for treatment to various body parts,
including, for example the waistline, buttocks, or thighs.
[0030] The signals can cause small currents to flow within the
tissues of the patient. The current may radiate from deep within
the tissues to the surface of the patient's body stimulating the
body and generally generating torsional movements within the
patient's muscles. These movements may stimulate fat cells and
initiate a decrease in fat volume.
[0031] In one embodiment, the area of maximum stimulation may form
a "four-leaf clover" shape. As the current is increased this four
leaf clover may expand to envelop a larger and larger area. Example
stimulation patterns are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0032] Circuit I is formed between two electrodes 502 and 504
placed on a patient's body. These electrodes 502 and 504 are
energized such that current flows between them. Similarly, circuit
II is formed between two electrodes 506 and 508 placed on a
patient's body such that current flows between them when the
electrodes are energized. The pattern illustrated in FIG. 4 may be
generated using the same or a similar electrode patter at lower
signal intensity.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example series of
stimulations in a treatment waveform in accordance with the systems
and methods described herein. A first series of stimulations 602
may include three treatment sequences, EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3.These
sequences 602 can be followed by a rest period 604 and then
repeated 606 and followed by another rest period 608. The sequences
EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3; followed by the rest period can be repeated
according to a treatment protocol; however, it will be understood
by those of skill in the art that other sequences may used.
[0034] In one embodiment the total sequence time can be 2 minutes
30 seconds with a 30 second rest period after the sequence.
Accordingly, each sequence, EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3, may be 50 seconds
long. In other embodiments, however, the length of each sequence
EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3 are not required to be equal.
[0035] The sequences may be applied to a patient using multiple
electrodes, e.g., 3 outputs with 12 electrodes. These electrodes
may be attached to a patient to provide stimulation to a patient's
abs, waistline, buttocks, or thighs; as well as other
locations.
[0036] Sequence EMS1 can be a symmetrical biphasic square wave with
a pulse width of 200 microseconds, a pulse rate of 100 Hz, and a
sweep frequency of 40 to 100 Hz. The sweep time may be a two second
sweep up increasing in frequency followed by a two second sweep
decreasing in frequency. Sequence EMS2 can be a symmetrical
biphasic square wave with a pulse width of 350 microseconds and the
pulse rate of 30 Hz. Sequence EMS3 can be a symmetrical biphasic
square wave with a pulse width of 350 microseconds and a pulse rate
of 100 Hz.
[0037] It will be understood that while biphasic square waves are
discussed with respect to EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3, other embodiment
may include a square wave or other signal with a dc offset.
Accordingly, the signal may have a voltage that changes between 0
volts and a positive voltage V or between 0 volts and a negative
voltage -V. Alternatively, the signal may be dc offset such that
the signal has a voltage that changes between V1 volts and V2
volts, where V1 may be negative, V2 may be positive, and the
magnitudes of each might not be equal. Depending on the voltage of
the dc offset, however, V1 and V2 may both be positive or both be
negative.
[0038] Contractions are times when a signal is applied. Relaxations
are times when no signal is applied. Contractions and relaxations
can occur within a sequence. The relaxations within a sequence may
be in addition to a "rest" at the end of the EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3
series. Each of the EMS1, EMS2, and EMS3 sequences can include a
contraction time of 6 seconds followed by a relaxation time of four
seconds. Additionally, a ramp up of 4 seconds and a ramp down of
four seconds may be included between relaxation and contraction
times.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating placement of electrodes and
patterns of signal movements between electrodes in accordance with
the systems and methods described herein.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 7, dynamic rotation can be performed,
for example, on a patient's abdominal region. The left and right
sides, which may be from the perspective of the person performing
the treatment or the person being treated, can be operated
independently from each other. For example, left electrodes
interact with other left electrodes, while right electrodes
interact with right electrodes. It will be understood, however,
that some leakage of current flow might occur between left and
right and that in other embodiments, electrodes on opposite sides
might interact with each other. (Leakage currents might occur with
respect to other waveforms as well.)
[0041] One example treatment may include four sequences. The first
sequence can provide stimulation between 1L and 2L and stimulation
between 1R and 2R. These stimulations can occur at the same time.
The second sequence can provide stimulation between 3L and 4L and
stimulation between 3R and 4R. These stimulations can also occur at
the same time.
[0042] The third and fourth sequences can provide stimulation
between multiple electrodes on the same side at the same time. For
example, in the third sequence, stimulation can be provided between
1L and 3L while stimulation is also being provided between 2L and
4L. The third sequence can also include stimulation between 1R and
3R at the same time as stimulation is being provided between 2R and
4R. Additionally, all of these third sequence stimulations may
occur at the same time. The fourth sequence can include stimulation
between 1L and 2L while stimulation is also being provided between
3L and 4L. The fourth sequence can also include stimulation between
1R and 2R at the same time as stimulation is being provided between
3R and 4R. Additionally, similarly to the third sequence, all of
these fourth sequence stimulations may occur at the same time.
[0043] In some embodiments each sequence can be seven seconds long.
A rest period of five seconds can be included after sequence 4.
Accordingly, the series of sequences may be 32 seconds long. The
dynamic rotation series can include multiple four sequence series
and rest periods.
[0044] In some embodiments, the dynamic rotation series can use a
"premod" signal. The premod signal can be 5000 Hz with a sweep
frequency from 40 to 80 Hz and a sweep time of two seconds
increasing from 40 Hz to 80 Hz and two seconds decreasing from 40
Hz to 80 Hz. Various embodiments use two outputs that drive a total
of eight electrodes. Some embodiments may use other sweep
frequencies, such as 40 to 5000 Hz or preferably 50 to 100 Hz.
[0045] After the various other treatments described above, cool
down and body care treatments can occur. These treatments can
include microcurrent therapy, skin tightening treatments, a rinse
to remove the seaweed gel, hydration treatments, etc. Additionally,
aftertreatment measurements, photos, or both may be taken. (These
may be compared to pretreatment measurements and photos, if they
were taken.)
[0046] Microcurrent therapy can include a symmetrical biphasic
square wave with a pulse width for a 50% duty cycle. The frequency
of the square wave can be swept between 20 Hz and 150 Hz with sweep
times of 10 seconds increasing from 20 Hz to 150 Hz and 10 seconds
decreasing from 150 Hz down to 20 Hz. It will be understood that,
as discussed above, while a biphasic square wave is discussed in
the example, other embodiment may include a square wave or other
signal with a dc offset. Accordingly, the signal may have a voltage
that changes between 0 volts and a positive voltage V or 0 volts
and a negative voltage -V. Alternatively, the signal may be dc
offset such that the signal may have a voltage that changes between
V1 volts and V2 volts, where V1 may be negative, V2 may be
positive, and the magnitudes of each might not be equal. Depending
on the voltage of the dc offset, however, V1 and V2 may both be
positive or both be negative.
[0047] Some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein
may a standard protocol that is a minimum of six treatments of
approximately 60 minutes each. It will be understood, however, that
other treatment protocols may be used. These other protocols may
include longer or shorter treatment time, a fewer or greater number
of total treatments, or some combination of these. In some cases
the systems that implement the treatment protocol may operate with
minimal intervention, e.g., for initial set up, periodic
monitoring, etc.
[0048] In one example, six treatment sessions are used. The
protocol has a first session which can include e-yoga treatment,
power vector treatment, micro-massage treatment, and body care. A
second session can include e-yoga treatment, classical sequence
treatment, micro-massage treatment, and body care. A third session
can include e-yoga treatment, classical sequence treatment,
micro-massage treatment, and body care. Sessions four through six
can include e-yoga treatment, dynamic rotation treatment,
micro-massage treatment, and body care. Other example protocols may
include six to ten sessions or more. It will also be understood
that other protocols may also be used with the systems and methods
described herein. These other protocols may include different
combinations of eyoga treatment, a power vector treatment,
classical sequence treatment, dynamic rotation treatment,
micro-massage treatment, and body care
[0049] Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit of the present
disclosure. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the
embodiments is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *